Songwriters Hall of Fame Has Inducted Its First Rapper

Jay Z is the first rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

(Newser)
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The man who famously said "H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A; that's the anthem, get your damn hands up" is now the first rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Billboard reports. Jay Z was included on the list of 2017 inductees announced Wednesday by Chic guitarist Nile Rodgers. "He has changed the way that we listen to music," Rodgers is quoted as saying. According to Spin, Jay Z has 21 Grammys—tied for most ever by a rapper—and he also has 13 No. 1 albums—more than any other solo artist. Jay Z will join Hall of Fame members like Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, and Marvin Gaye. This year's inductees also include Max Martin—who's written more No. 1 songs than anyone not involved with the Beatles—and Berry Gordy, who wrote songs for legendary Motown artists. (Read more Jay-Z stories.)